The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, with over 20% of the world's oil exports passing through it.
Iran's Basij paramilitary unit has claimed control of the strait, with its recently appointed head stating that it is "under Iran's control and management." This assertion comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had "total control" of the strategic waterway, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.